State of the World from NPR Rebels Make Surprise Advances in Syria. Who are They and What Does it Mean?
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Dec 2, 2024 Recent rebel advances in Syria have shifted the stagnant civil war, notably with the capture of Aleppo. The group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is at the forefront, prompting diverse reactions from both combatants and civilians. The discussion reveals deep-rooted sectarian tensions and ongoing humanitarian crises. Additionally, the podcast delves into governance efforts in Idlib, exploring how local communities, including Christians, interact with the rebels and the complex relationships with Turkey and the Syrian army.
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Rebel Celebration in Aleppo
- Rebels cheered and filmed themselves outside Aleppo's citadel after routing Syrian forces.
- One rebel, Mohamed, described the feeling of returning to his recaptured hometown after 11 years.
Renewed Conflict and Civilian Suffering
- The Syrian civil war, ongoing since 2011, was in a stalemate until the recent rebel advances.
- Renewed fighting causes more suffering, with civilians caught between government airstrikes and rebel offensives.
HTS: A Complex Rebel Group
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), designated a terrorist group by the US, leads the rebel forces.
- Despite its hardline past, HTS now presents a more moderate face, disavowing international terrorism.